Shopping center discussion tabled until February

James Family Properties, LLLP, of Little Rock, has asked and received a recommendation from the Stuttgart Planning Commission for 7.254 acres of land across from Walmart on East 22nd Street to be rezoned from I-1 to B-2.

Stuttgart City Council members did not get the chance to discuss the possibility of a new shopping center being built across from Walmart Tuesday.

James Family Properties, LLLP, of Little Rock, has asked and received a recommendation from the Stuttgart Planning Commission for 7.254 acres of land across from Walmart on East 22nd Street to be rezoned from I-1 to B-2.

Stuttgart Mayor Marianne Maynard announced the item would be tabled until the first meeting in February. According to Maynard there was no reason given for the delay, but she was asked by the company to postpone the measure.

Attorney William C. Adkisson for James Family Properties, LLLP, said they won’t close until after February and further details about the shopping center are still unavailable.

“We believe that the proposed development would be a good use for this property, as well as being good for the City of Stuttgart by enhancing the available retail options and generating jobs and sales tax revenue,” attorney William C. Adkisson said in a written letter to the commission.

The rezoning request was approved at the monthly commission meeting.

Dave Constien with James Family Properties, LLLP said the company is presently under contract with the property’s owners, Union Pacific Railroad.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting Stuttgart City Council member Ruth Ann Trice made the motion to except Bill Holbert to be recommended for reelection to the Stuttgart Planning Commission. In the motion she also denied to add Norma Strabala to the Commission due to Strabala taking Trice’s spot on the Stuttgart City Council in January.

All Stuttgart City Council meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Stuttgart City Hall, located at 304 S. Maple St. For more information or to have an item added to the agenda call (870) 673-3535.